La Salle Dominates UE as Pablo and Phillips Shine in UAAP

De La Salle University’s Luis Pablo in action against University of the East in UAAP Season 88.
Photo from UAAP Media.
MANILA — De La Salle University is showing strong performance in UAAP Season 88 men's basketball as they defeated University of the East, 84-72, on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia in Pasay for their fourth consecutive win.

Luis Pablo was the standout performer for the Green Archers with 16 points, shooting eight out of nine attempts, and added six rebounds. Mike Phillips contributed 14 points and 12 rebounds, helping the Taft-based team improve to a 6-3 record, keeping them in the race for the top spots.

Despite not having to come back from a large deficit like in their previous game, head coach Topex Robinson stressed how focused his team remained throughout the match. "We know that this UE team always gives their best every time we face them, so I have to commend my players for staying in control of their emotions," said Robinson. His team led by as much as 20 points during the game.

Although the Red Warriors managed to cut the lead to single digits, the balanced scoring from De La Salle proved too much. Jacob Cortez scored 12 points, Doy Dungo added nine, while JC Macalalag and EJ Gollena each contributed eight points.

On the other hand, the Red Warriors extended their losing streak to nine games in Season 88 and 15th overall since Round 2 of Season 87. John Abate led the team with 20 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Precious Momowei also reached double digits with 20 points and 10 rebounds, but he had seven turnovers in the loss.

De La Salle will aim to continue their winning streak on Sunday when they face league-leading National University at the same venue in Pasay. Meanwhile, UE will welcome back Wello Lingolingo from suspension as they look to end their losing streak when they take on struggling Ateneo de Manila University at the same arena next Wednesday.

Game Highlights

• De La Salle:
• Luis Pablo – 16 points, 6 rebounds
• Mike Phillips – 14 points, 12 rebounds
• Jacob Cortez – 12 points
• Doy Dungo – 9 points
• JC Macalalag – 8 points
• EJ Gollena – 8 points

• Others: Marasigan (6), Abadam (4), Gomez (3), Daep (2), Quines (2), Nwankwo (0), Dagdag (0), Melencio (0)

• University of the East:

• John Abate – 20 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals
• Precious Momowei – 20 points, 10 rebounds
• Cruz-Dumont – 8 points
• Robles – 7 points
• Despi – 6 points
• Caoile – 4 points
• Lagat – 3 points
• Others: Datumalim (2), Cabero (2), Jimenez (0), Tañedo (0), Mulingtapang (0), Malaga (0)

Quarter Scores

• First quarter: 25-19
• Second quarter: 43-36
• Third quarter: 59-50
• Final: 84-72